Patient- and Family-Centered Care

Patient and Family-Centered Care is an essential part of Johns Hopkins Children’s Center’s mission. We understand that caring for a child with an acute illness can be stressful for families and loved ones. That’s why we offer resources and programs that support comfort, hope and healing, while creating a caring environment that strengthens resilience.

From diagnosis and treatment to recovery and beyond, we strive to ensure that every child and family feels heard, respected, supported and empowered throughout their time with us. Our goal is to improve not only medical outcomes, but also the overall experience of care for children and families.

Support we Offer

The following services and information are available to support you and your family while your child is in our care:

Food Pantry

Food pantries are available throughout Johns Hopkins Children’s Center and are restocked each week. We offer free, quick grab-and-go options for families who prefer not to leave their child’s side or who may need extra support during a longer hospital stay.

Johns Hopkins Children's Center pantry with food options

Family Meals

Every Thursday from 12–1 p.m., families are invited to enjoy a free, family-style lunch in the library on the third floor of Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. Meals are provided by local vendors and served by volunteers and staff. This convenient option is available to all inpatient families and can be enjoyed in the room or shared with others in a welcoming setting.

Volunteers serve food during family meal time

Massages

Every Thursday afternoon, parents and caregivers whose child is inpatient are invited to schedule a free 15-minute massage in the library on the third floor of Johns Hopkins Children’s Center as part of our wellness program. This is a chance to take a brief break, step away from the room and recharge.

Holiday Meals

Families spending the holidays in the hospital are often pulled away from their typical traditions, celebrations and the comfort of a holiday meal. Johns Hopkins Children’s Center offers holiday-themed food, decorations, music, crafts and activities during major holidays to instill a feeling of community and joy, making these tough days a little easier to manage. Information about times and locations of holidays meals are posted on the units.

PFCC volunteers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center

Homecoming

Every year, the Teen and Children’s Council hosts a homecoming dance for patients who have been treated at the Children’s Center in the last year. This is a magical night where our teen patients have a safe space to connect with friends like them in an inclusive and welcoming environment. This is also an opportunity for kids undergoing treatment to meet developmental milestones that they might otherwise miss out on. It’s a night filled with music, dancing, crafts, food and memories to last a lifetime.

If interested in learning more or getting involved, please contact [email protected].

Two young people pose at the Children's Center's homecoming event.

Advisory Boards

Our patient- and family-centered care team manages many patient and family advisory councils. Our unified goals are to:

Identify ways to improve the patient experience.
Advise the hospital on improving policies and processes.
Support patients and families during their hospital stay.
Educate the next generations of students and staff on what it’s like to be a patient at Johns Hopkins.
Represent the patient and family voice on a variety of committees.

We are always looking for more voices and perspectives. Visit the links below to learn more about our advisory councils.

Pediatric Family Advisory Council

Pediatric Family Advisory Council is an interdisciplinary committee made up of families and staff. Its members are essential partners in the hospital’s mission to provide excellent patient- and family-centered care by giving input and perspective into improving the patient and family experience at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center.

Learn more about the Pediatric Family Advisory Council.

Teen and Children's Council

The Teen and Children’s Council is open to all patients and siblings served by Johns Hopkins Children’s Center and any hospital staff members looking to gain insight and feedback from the perspective of young patients and family members.

Learn more about the Teen and Children’s Council.